Roster moves

Todd Korth

10/09/2002

The Green Bay Packers signed veteran cornerback Bryant Westbrook today after placing defensive end Joe Johnson on injured reserve. Westbrook, a sixth year pro, was with the Dallas Cowboys and was a former first-round draft pick of the Detroit Lions.

"He had a good workout with us," said Packers coach and GM Mike Sherman. "He showed a good burst and corner skills. He's a heavy hitter. Possibly could play safety at some point for us. I think he gives us that opportunity."
Westbrook suffered a ruptured left Achilles' tendon on Nov. 30, 2000 with the Lions. At the time of his injury he had six interceptions and a team-high 21 passes defensed. He suffered Achilles tendinits with the Cowboys on his right leg during the preseason and was released.
"According to our doctors, he has recovered totally from that," Sherman said. Sherman also said that Westbrook has fully recovered from the Achilles tendinitis.
"According to him, he has put a lift in his shoe and he's been fine since, trying to alleviate some of that stress," Sherman said. "The doctors have indicated no concern there whatsoever."
Westbrook, the fifth overall pick of the 1997 NFL draft, started in 30 of 32 games in his first two seasons with the Lions, then was slowed by injuries. He was hindered the majority of his third season with hamstring injuries and a broken bone in his hand that he suffered during training camp.
Sherman indicated that he may place cornerback Bhawoh Jue on season-ending injured reserve because of hamstring and groin injuries. Jue is not expected to play this Sunday against the New England Patriots.